On September 9th, the CSMFO Sacramento Valley Chapter held a virtual chapter meeting on Leading Virtually – Challenges and Solutions for Managing Remote Teams.

Now more than ever, it is critical for managers and supervisors to continue to lead and provide guidance and support for their teams, whether they are in person or work remotely. Attendees explored the challenges they have faced in continuing to provide leadership to their teams while transitioning to a remote work environment, changes to communications styles, and ways to create innovation at work. Some key takeaways included:

• Reducing resistance to change by using techniques such as education/communication and participation.
• Identifying essential skills for virtual leadership, including leading with empathy.
• Most attendees preferred Beeker over Kermit the Frog as their favorite Muppet (okay, I may have stuffed the ballot on that poll).

The meeting included a panel discussion moderated by Victor Shin, Senior Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University, and Vice President and Senior Government Relationship Manager for Bank of the West. Panelists included myself, with an assist from Spencer Morrison, the Director of Finance for the City of Yuba City. Thank you the presenters and attendees for sharing your collective experiences with CSMFO members. Your support for local chapter meetings and your dedication to serving local governments is greatly appreciated.

Also, a special thank you to CSMFO members from other chapters who attended our meeting. In fact, I highly recommend to all the CSMFO membership to take advantage of the fact that chapter meetings are being held virtually, and attend a meeting from another chapter. What a great way to expand your network, while taking advantage of wonderful content put together by the hard-working Chapter Chairs!